BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for your next irresistible lunch or picnic favorite, you have to try this BLT Chicken Salad! Imagine all the flavors of a classic BLT—smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—made even heartier with tender chunks of chicken, creamy dressing, and perfect seasonings. It’s the kind of dish that vanishes quickly at potlucks, makes meal prepping a breeze, and always leaves folks coming back for seconds. The BLT Chicken Salad truly brings together comfort food vibes and fresh flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this BLT Chicken Salad is how it comes together with simple, familiar ingredients. Each component has a special job, from adding crunch or creaminess to supplying that signature color and irresistible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked Chicken (3 cups, chopped): Jumpstart the salad with either rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken—just be sure it’s well cooked and tender.
• Bacon (1 pound, diced and crisped): Sizzle it up until perfectly crispy for a smoky bite that makes the salad sing.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These add a burst of juiciness, color, and a sweet tang that ties everything together.
• Red Onion (1/2 small, diced): For a dash of sharpness and color, finely dice it for the best texture.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced): This gives the salad a refreshing crunch in every forkful.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup, light or regular): The creamy base that binds all the goodness—feel free to use your favorite mayo here.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the mayo and bacon.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ties them together.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For subtle, savory undertones in every bite.
• Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle depth of flavor that blends perfectly with fresh red onion.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A finishing touch of earthy heat—adjust to taste.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by making sure all your ingredients are ready to go. Cook your bacon until it’s golden and crisp, chop or shred the cooked chicken, halve the tomatoes, dice the veggies, and measure out your seasonings and mayonnaise. Having everything prepped before you begin makes the assembly a total breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Base of the BLT Chicken Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and celery. This colorful mixture will become the sturdy, flavorful base of your BLT Chicken Salad, bursting with texture and visual appeal.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning—it should be zesty and just a bit tangy, perfectly complementing the richness of the other ingredients.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture, then gently toss everything together until every morsel is coated. Be careful not to overmix—just enough so that the flavors meld and all the pieces are equally delicious.

Step 5: Chill or Serve

You can serve the BLT Chicken Salad right away for a more rustic, room-temperature salad, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Chilling it slightly also helps the salad hold up better if you’re making it in advance.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For that ultimate fresh finish, sprinkle your BLT Chicken Salad with a little extra chopped parsley, a pinch of freshly cracked pepper, or even a handful of microgreens. Bright, punchy garnishes really pop against the creamy salad and make it even more appealing.

Side Dishes

BLT Chicken Salad shines alongside simple sides that don’t overpower the main event. Think buttery crackers, warm toasted bread, or crisp romaine leaves for scooping. It’s also wonderful with a light soup or a medley of fresh fruit if you’re serving this for lunch or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

There are endless ways to share this salad! Try piling it onto ciabatta rolls for delicious sandwiches, stuffing it into lettuce “cups” for a low-carb twist, or spooning it atop a bed of greens for a lighter meal. If you’re feeling playful, serve it in mason jars for a picnic-ready, grab-and-go lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 5 days, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Just remember, if it’s left out for more than 2 hours, it’s best to discard the rest for food safety.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze BLT Chicken Salad, since the creamy mayo-based dressing and fresh veggies don’t thaw well—the texture becomes watery and less appetizing. For best results, enjoy this salad fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

This is a cold salad meant to be enjoyed straight from the refrigerator. If you like, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to take the chill off, but don’t heat it up or it may lose its crunch and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for BLT Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is wonderfully convenient and gives the salad a moist and flavorful base. Just be sure to remove the skin and any bones before chopping or shredding.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you’re not a fan of mayo, try swapping in plain Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and sour cream for extra tang and a touch of creaminess. Just note that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious.

Is BLT Chicken Salad gluten free?

Yes, the salad itself is naturally gluten free. If you’re serving it as a sandwich or wrap, just use gluten free bread or lettuce cups to keep the whole meal friendly for everyone.

How can I make this salad lighter?

Opt for light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also add extra celery or chopped romaine to boost the veggies and reduce the overall calorie content.

Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, making it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it well chilled and give it a quick toss before serving to freshen it up.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to make this BLT Chicken Salad and taste how satisfying, crisp, and savory it is! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re packing lunches, planning a party, or just craving something fresh and hearty. Give it a whirl and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!

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